The Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) has issued a stern warning to professionals against using their expertise to facilitate the theft of public funds.
Speaking at the Annual Governance & Ethics Conference in Mombasa on Thursday, October 7, 2024, EACC Director of Ethics and Leadership John Lolkoloi highlighted that many scandals involving the theft of public funds have directly involved professionals, particularly accountants and lawyers.
The anti-graft agency noted the growing involvement of engineers, land valuers, surveyors, bankers, IT experts, and procurement professionals in planning and executing corruption schemes.
“EACC urges all professional bodies in the country to embed integrity and accountability into their self-regulatory mechanisms to foster greater intolerance to corruption among Kenyan professionals,” Lolkoloi said.
Lolkoloi also urged professionals to refrain from processing fraudulent payments and to report any suspicious transactions to the relevant authorities.
“Do not act as conduits for the proceeds of corruption or assist in the perpetuation of corrupt schemes,” he added.
In addition, Lolkoloi revealed that the EACC has directed all public institutions in Kenya to authenticate the academic and professional certificates of individuals being considered for employment, given the rising cases of fake certificates in the public service.
So far, the EACC has identified over 2,000 public officers suspected of holding fake academic certificates, and remedial actions are being taken at various stages of law enforcement.
“Along with criminal prosecution of those involved in academic fraud, the EACC will continue to pursue civil suits for the recovery of all salaries and benefits earned based on fake qualifications,” the EACC stated.
